Sylvia Robinson Obituary

Sylvia Robinson, who had a hit as a singer-songwriter with the sexually charged "Pillow Talk" but was later known as one of hip-hop's early founders as the record label owner that put out "Rapper's Delight," rap's first mainstream success, died Thursday, according to publicist Greg Walker. She was 76.

Robinson, born Sylvia Vanterpool, died of congestive heart failure at the New Jersey Institute of Neuroscience in Seacaucus, N.J.

Along with her late husband, Joe, Robinson was the owner of Sugar Hill Records. In 1979, it released the song that would become widely known as rap's first hit, "Rapper's Delight," by the Sugar Hill Gang.

The song was released as hip-hop was just beginning to emerge as a genre; for the most part, it was a budding phenomenon bubbling on New York City streets. Robinson recognized the potential of the music and wanted her struggling label to capit alize on it.

"She saw where a DJ was talking and the crowd was responding to what he was saying, and this was the first time she ever saw this before," her son Joey said in a 2000 interview with NPR. "And she sad Joey, wouldn't this be a great idea to make a rap record?"

It turned out she was right. After gathering three rappers (Master Gee, Wonder Mike and Big Bank Hank) to record the 15-minute song, the party groove became a sensation. The condensed version was considered the first rap song to get radio play and reached the top 40 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.

The Sugar Hill Gang faded into rap history, not recording other songs that would match its original flourish. But Sugar Hill Records would continue to play a part on the early years of hip-hop with a roster that included Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five.

Robinson's roots in the record industry were deep. She was a blues singer in the 1950s, recording for Columbia and Savoy Records on son gs like "Chocolate Candy Blues." Later, she was part of the duo "Mickey & Sylvia."

But she had perhaps her biggest hit as a solo artist with "Pillow Talk," a seductive song released in 1973. Robinson was also a producer and songwriter for others.

She is survived by three sons and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Sylvia Robinson, who had a hit as a singer-songwriter with the sexually charged "Pillow Talk" but was later known as one of hip-hop's early founders as the record label owner that put out "Rapper's Delight," rap's first mainstream success, died Thursday, according to publicist Greg Walker. She was 76.

Robinson, born Sylvia Vanterpool, died of congestive heart failure at the New Jersey Institute of Neuroscience in Seacaucus, N.J.

Along with her late husband, Joe, Robinson was the owner of Sugar Hill Records. In 1979, it released the song that would become widely known as rap's first hit, "Rapper's Delight," by the Sugar Hill Gang.

The song was released as hip-hop was just beginning to emerge as a genre; for the most part, it was a budding phenomenon bubbling on New York City streets. Robinson recognized the potential of the music and wanted her struggling label to capit alize on it.

"She saw where a DJ was talking and the crowd was responding to what he was saying, and this was the first time she ever saw this before," her son Joey said in a 2000 interview with NPR. "And she sad Joey, wouldn't this be a great idea to make a rap record?"

It turned out she was right. After gathering three rappers (Master Gee, Wonder Mike and Big Bank Hank) to record the 15-minute song, the party groove became a sensation. The condensed version was considered the first rap song to get radio play and reached the top 40 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.

The Sugar Hill Gang faded into rap history, not recording other songs that would match its original flourish. But Sugar Hill Records would continue to play a part on the early years of hip-hop with a roster that included Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five.

Robinson's roots in the record industry were deep. She was a blues singer in the 1950s, recording for Columbia and Savoy Records on son gs like "Chocolate Candy Blues." Later, she was part of the duo "Mickey & Sylvia."

But she had perhaps her biggest hit as a solo artist with "Pillow Talk," a seductive song released in 1973. Robinson was also a producer and songwriter for others.

She is survived by three sons and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Guest Book Highlights

"Still mesmerized by Ms Robinson's very popular hit Pillow Talk. Never been another song or will there be another to match this song. Adorable lady, amazing talent."- Hopeless Romantic (North Biloxi, MS)

"She was the reason for many groups and singers and rappers today to beable to have sexy voices and sexy video today. Rest in Heaven Ms. Sylvia Robinson."- LadyTee Williams (Burnwich, GA)

"I know that it's very, very late to post this, but I really remember Ms. Robinson for "Love is Strange". I guess I am partial to the guitar. May she rest in peace. Such a talented woman.Condolences to the family. She will not be forgotten."- Phyllis Shepherd (Birmingham, AL)

"C, Swaby You will always be my sweet stuff"- Clive Swaby (Englaand)

" And I will rejoice in Jerusalem and exult in my people; No more will there be heard in her the sound of weeping or a cry of distress.”(Isa 65:19) Wonderful promise and heartfelt prayers go out for all the families and friends of a music enthusiast..." (GA)

Other obituaries

Englewood's Sylvia Robinson|also recorded 'Love Is Strange' Sylvia Robinson of Englewood, a music executive who lit the fuse that ignited the popularity of hip-hop, died Thursday morning at...
Read Obituary

ROBINSON Sylvia L. (nee Vanterpool), age 76 of Englewood entered into eternal rest on Thursday, September 29, 2011. She was predeceased by her husband Joe Robinson. She is survived...
Read Obituary